FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2015
CAMPAGNOLO RETURNS AS TITLE SPONSOR;GRAN FONDO SAN DIEGO ADDS OPTIONS FOR CYCLISTS
20-Mile Route Added; Finish Line Expo Moved San Diego’s Ruocco Park
San Diego, Calif. – Organizers of the Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego are gearing up for the seventh edition of their popular event, backed once again by title sponsor Campagnolo. Cyclists will flock to Little Italy to line up behind a Ferrari leadout on Sunday, April 12 and complete one of four cycling tours of San Diego.
“This is one of the top events on our calendar,” said Tom Kattus, Director of Campagnolo North America, which is headquartered in Carlsbad. Campagnolo, the iconic Italian manufacturer of cycling components and wheels, has been the event’s Title Sponsor since 2013.
“It’s fantastic that Campagnolo kicks off its year with this Gran Fondo. It celebrates San Diego’s weather, scenery, and passion for cycling.”
Last year, “San Diego’s Finest Cycling Event” attracted participants from eighteen different countries and twenty-eight states. This year, its Finish Line Expo will be held in a new venue, the picturesque Ruocco Park, overlooking the San Diego skyline and bay.
Also new to the 2015 Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego is a flat 20-mile route, the “Fun Fondo”, which allows families and beginners the Gran Fondo experience in miniature. At the other end of the spectrum, the competitive 105-mile Gran Fondo Route and its timed climb up Honey Springs Road is designed to challenge experienced riders and racers.
Two other routes round out the options: the 34-mile Piccolo Fondo, and the 56-mile Medio Fondo. All of the routes include world-class support, aid stations, mechanical assistance, and a post-ride pasta feast.
Keeping with the Italian flavor of the event, bicycle maker Bianchi returns as a Presenting Sponsor, and Italy’s Vittoria Industries, a leading manufacturer of bicycle tires, joins the 2015 Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego as its Official Tire Sponsor. On event day, two of Vittoria’s professional race support vehicles will accompany riders on course. Combined with vehicles from Campagnolo and Pulse Endurance Sports / High Tech Bikes, a total of twelve vehicles will provide support to participants.
Primal Wear, the acclaimed designer and manufacturer of cycling apparel, will produce the 2015 Commemorative Jersey, Shorts, Cycling Caps, and Arm Warmers. The new design features a distinctive “retro” vertical stripe pattern on a dark blue background and the vintage scripted “Campagnolo” logo.
For the fifth consecutive year, proceeds from the Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego will benefit Challenged Athletes – Operation Rebound, and riders who raise at least $600 in donations earn free entry to the event, along with a free commemorative jersey. Operation Rebound is the premier sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans, and first responders with permanent physical disabilities.
Registration for the 2015 Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego is open to cyclists of all abilities, and a schedule of training rides with sponsoring shop Pulse Endurance Sports / High Tech Bikes will be announced shortly. For more information, and to register, please visit www.sdgranfondo.com.
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About the Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego
The Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego is a one-day, mass-start cycling event in the spirit and tradition of the great Italian cyclosportives. Since 2009, thousands of riders have gathered under the iconic “Little Italy” sign in downtown San Diego to embark on a journey through San Diego and the East County. Sponsored by some of the most iconic companies in cycling, the 2015 Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego offers 20-, 34-, 56- or 105-mile routes and a post-ride pasta party. It is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2015. For more information or to register, please visit www.sdgranfondo.com
Media Contact:
Julie Kelly
(760) 672-2527
